Joyce Hoppes, Consumer Information Director
(800) 372-7675, jhoppes@iowapork.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!
‘Dr. Dan’s CyBrats’ wins Cyclone PORK Tailgate Challenge
(CLIVE, Iowa) – The Iowa Pork Producers Association held its fourth annual Cyclone PORK Tailgate Challenge Saturday, Oct. 1, prior to the Iowa State vs. Texas football game in Ames.
A total of 34 Iowa State University football fans prepared 58 of their best pork tailgate entrees in either loin, rib or “other” categories. Several contestants entered two of the categories and many got into the spirit of the day and the college football atmosphere by garnishing their recipes in ISU colors.
The grand champion was a special brat recipe by Dan Drahos of Muscatine. “Dr. Dan’s CyBrats” featured red and yellow peppers inside the brat casing to give his entry a true Cyclone look. Drahos also won the “other” category.
“The contestants were very creative and presented some unique ideas this year,” said Dave Moody of Nevada, past IPPA president and one of eight tailgate challenge judges. “The judging was very close in all of the categories and from top to bottom, the quality was the best it’s ever been.”
Each pork entry was judged on preference, taste and tenderness.
The loin and rib categories were won by Dennis McKilligan of Ames. He prepared “Crumpdaddy’s Chop” and “Ames Crumpdaddy’s Ribs.”
Drahos took home $300 in cash, an autographed ISU football and four tickets to a later ISU football game for being grand champion, plus $50 in pork coupons for winning third place in the loin category. McKilligan won $400 in pork coupons and a pork cooler for having the best loin and rib entries. Both winners also received an ISU tailgate chair.
Second and third place finishers in each category also won pork coupons and coolers.
“It was a great day and a super promotion and we thank everyone who entered this year’s Cyclone PORK Tailgate Challenge,” said Moody. “As a pork producer, it’s very rewarding to see all of the different people who love pork and enjoy preparing it in so many delicious ways.”
In addition to contestant samples, IPPA grilled and served pork loin samples and gave away 145º F. pork temperature sticks and $2 discount pork coupons to fans before the game.
IPPA will hold the Hawkeye Pork Tailgate Challenge prior to the Iowa vs. Northwestern football game in Iowa City Oct. 15.
Fareway Stores and Chairman’s Reserve are co-sponsors of the events.
-30-